The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1887-05-26
MEMORIAL DAY.
National Orders of the c. A. r. Regarding
Observance OF Dec Grafton Day.

National Orders of the c. A. r. Regarding
Observance OF Decoration Day.
The following orders have been is.
sued from the national headquarters
at Madison. Wis, of the Grand Army
of the Republic, regarding the observ-
ance of Decoration day this year:
MADISON, WIS.,, April Is, 1887.
General Orders, No. II.
Nineteen years ago the then Com
mander in Chief of the Grand Army
of the Republic in general orders set
apart the Seth day Of May and sng-
gested that it be consecrated to the
memory OF The fallen soldiers Of the
nation.
This being the first memorial day
occurrence since his death, the Com
mander-in Chief asks that the elo-
quent and appropriate words of Gen
eral Orders No. IL, 1858, uttered by
that illustrious soldier and beloved
comrade, John 4. Logan. he again
taken rs inspiration and guidance for
the 30th day of May, 1887.
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF }
THE REprBLIC.
Washington ID. c., May S, 1858.
General Orders, No. II.
/. The Seth of May, 1853, is desig-
mated for the purpose Of strewing With
flowers or otherwise decorating the
graves of comrades who died in de-
Tense of their country during the late
rebellion, and whose bodies now lie
in almost every city, village and ham,
let church yard in the land. In this
observance no form of ceremony is
prescribed, but posts and comrades
will In their own way arrange such
fitting services and testimonials Of re-
spect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized. comrades, as oar
regulations tell us. for the purpose.
among other things, "of preserving
and strengthening those kind and fra
ternal feelings which have bound to-
gether the soldiers, sailors and ma
rines who united to suppress the late
rebellion" What can aid more to
assure this result than cherishing
tenderly the memory of our heroic
dead, who made their breasts bar
ricade between our country and its
foes! Their soldiers lives were the
reveile of freedom to race in chains,
and their death the tattoo OF rehelliouS
! tyranny in arms. We should guard
their graves with sacred vigilance.
al that the conSecrated wealth and
| taste of The nation can add to their
| adornment and security is but fit
| ting tribute to the me Ory OF her slain
| defenders. Let no wanton foot tread
rudely on such hallowed grounds.
Let pleasant paths invite the coming
a ID going os reverent visitors ard
md mourners. Let no vandalism of
a'arice or neglect, no ravages of time
testify to the present or to the coming
generations that we have forgotten
rs Il people the cost of free and undi.
| viGed republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other
hands slack, and other hearts cold in
| the solemn trust, ours should keep it
well as long as the light and warmth
| of life remain to us.
Let us. then. at the time appointed
gather around their sacred remains
! and garland the passionless mounds
above them with the choicest flowers
of springtlme; let us raise above them
the dear old flag they saved from dis
honor; let us in this solemn presence
renew our pltdges to aid and assist
those whom they have left among us
Il sacred charge upon nations graft
tude-the soldiers and sailors widow
and orphan.
II. 1t is the purpose of the Com
mander-in-C Chief to inaugnrate this
observance with the hope that it will
be kept up from year to year, while Il
survivor of the war remains to honor
the memory of his departed comrades.
Ill. Department Commanders will
| use every effort to make this order
| effective.
by command OF John "A. Logan,
COMMANDMENTS Chief.
N. Z. HHIPMAN, Adj't Gen.
BY command of Lucius Falrchild,
| COmmander-in-Ch Chief.
| E. b. GRAY. Adj't Gen.